India and China resumed high-level talks on Monday as External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in New Delhi. The meeting aimed to strengthen cooperation, maintain peace, and address shared concerns between the two countries.
Jaishankar emphasized that “differences must not become disputes between the two countries.” He highlighted the need for a stable, cooperative, and forward-looking relationship. “The fight against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations is another major priority. I look forward to our exchange of views. Overall, we expect that our discussions would contribute to building a stable cooperative and forward-looking relationship between India and China, one that serves both our interests and addresses our concerns,” he said.
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The discussions also included border issues, which will be addressed in a separate meeting between Wang Yi and India’s Special Representative NSA Ajit Doval on Tuesday. Jaishankar stressed that “the basis for any positive momentum in our ties is the ability to jointly maintain peace and tranquillity in the border areas. It is also essential that the de-escalation process move forward.”
Global and Regional Cooperation Discussed
Jaishankar noted that when the world’s two largest nations meet, it naturally impacts the global situation. He said both countries seek a “fair, balanced and multipolar world order, including a multipolar Asia.” He also stressed the importance of “reform multilateralism” and enhancing stability in the global economy.
Wang Yi, on a two-day visit, said China has maintained peace and stability along the border. He also announced that the Indian pilgrimage to Mount Gang Renpoche and Lake Mapam Yun Tso in the Xijang Autonomous Region has resumed. Wang expressed confidence that both countries could deepen cooperation and “consolidate the momentum of improvement and development of the relations” to contribute to regional and global stability.
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The visit follows NSA Ajit Doval’s trip to Beijing in December for the 23rd round of Special Representatives talks, after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed in Kazan to revive dialogue mechanisms during the BRICS summit.
Looking Ahead to the SCO Summit
Wang’s visit comes ahead of PM Modi’s trip to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin from August 31 to September 1.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said the visit reflects Beijing’s intent to implement understandings reached between the two leaders, maintain high-level exchanges, deepen political trust, expand cooperation, and properly manage differences. Mao called the SR-level dialogue a “crucial channel for advancing boundary negotiations,” adding that the previous round in Beijing had produced agreements on delimitation, border management, and cross-border cooperation.
She emphasized that China is prepared to continue “constructive engagement with India based on the existing consensus to jointly preserve peace and stability along the border.”
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